1Sound ArchitectureAn exploration of sound issues in theater spaces and how active acoustic systems can help. The architectural properties of a space are the most important contributor to its acoustic qualities. However, not all spaces are perfectly designed in terms of acoustics, especially in the case of multi-purpose performance spaces. This article will examine the sound technologies available today and how they can be used to mitigate and resolve acoustic issues due to architectural imperfections. It will discuss different difficulties and issues related to the planning and design phase of the theater spaces themselves, as well as possible digital solutions. The acoustic design of performance spaces involves specifying the room geometry and boundary properties, as well as any additional acoustic elements such as reflectors or diffusers. The goal is to usefully direct sound to produce a desired subjective experience, which, fortunately, can usually be quantified by measurable acoustic parameters. The design should take into account the reverberant properties of the room, control of sound absorption, sound diffusion and interference from background noise. Active acoustic systems offer an alternative approach to controlling subjective experience. They use microphones, electronic processors, and loudspeakers to create reflections and reverberations in addition to those produced by the natural sound field.2 Acoustic properties can be changed instantly and the enhanced acoustic properties of the auditorium can usually vary over a wider range than can be produced by passive variable techniques. [3] The design of active acoustics follows that of passive approaches...... middle of article ......Acoustics for speech using active acoustics. "The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America: 3402. Print.2. Schwenke, Roger W. "Active acoustics and sound reinforcement at the TUI Operettenhaus, Hamburg: a case study." The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America: 3307. Print.3. Acoustics." Building Acoustics: 237-258. Print.4. Ellison, Steve. “The Case for Widely Variable Acoustics.” International Symposium on RoomAcoustics: 1-4. Print.5. Strong, Judith. Theater Buildings: A Design Guide. Abingdon, Oxon [England]: Routledge, 2010.Print.6. Egan, M. David. Architectural Acoustics, FL: J. Ross Pub., 2007. Architects, American Institute of. Architectural acoustics. " Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice. 13th ed. Hoboken: Wiley, 2000. Print.